South Wessex Downs
Introduction
The Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) scheme has now closed to new applicants. Defra introduced a new Environmental Stewardship Scheme on 3 March 2005 which supersedes (with enhancements) the ESA and Countryside Stewardship Schemes. These pages are in the process of being updated to reflect the latest information relating to this ESA.
The South Wessex Downs ESA comprises two separate areas of land totalling 50, 714 ha situated on the scarp and dip slopes of a broad band of chalk extending north-eastwards through Dorset into Wiltshire. The larger southern area extends from south west of Salisbury, across Cranborne Chase and continues south of the Blackmore Vale to just north of Dorchester. The northern area comprises the chalk ridge running west of Salisbury to Mere between the Nadder and Wylye valleys, south of Salisbury Plain.
Description
The South Wessex Downs ESA is of great environmental value. The indented sweeping scarp slopes, cultivated rolling dip slopes and sheltered stream valleys combine to produce a landscape of great quality. The ESA contains a large proportion of the remaining semi-natural chalk grassland of the British Isles. This landscape is also enriched by the presence of a diverse range of features of historical and archaeological importance ranging from single earthworks to complex sites, suggesting occupation during different periods since prehistory. Current farming in the area is predominately large scale, comprising dairy, arable and mixed farm units with, in addition, several with large sheep flocks.
Significant Habitats and Species
The ESA is noted for its surviving areas of internationally important species-rich chalk grassland habitats which contain a number of rare plant species and support many populations of butterflies and birds, some of which are rare and declining. The great environmental value of this area is recognised by numerous statutory designations, including 4 National Nature Reserves, 36 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, 2 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and five proposed Special Areas of Conservation.
ESA Management Options
The management options for the different landscape types that can be entered into ESA agreements for the South Wessex Downs are given in the ERDP documents section of this site, under Annex X of the England Rural Development Programme. This is a whole farm schemes in which all eligible land must be entered in, there two main management options:
- To maintain and enhance the traditional landscape character through the maintenance of field boundaries, weatherproof traditional farm buildings and the control of fencing. Features of historical interest must not be damaged, destroyed or removed. It also has additional prescriptions relating to the management of permanent grassland and downland.
- To increase nature conservation of land by reversion of arable land and ley grassland to downland and permanent grassland, introduction of conservation headlands at the edge of arable fields, stringent conditions on the management of permanent grassland.
Contacts
Richard Belding Tel: 01305 257086Sarah Machin Tel: 01823 285515
Lucy Smart Tel: 01823 285516
Fax: 01823 271543
Riverside Chambers
Castle Street
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4AP
Page last modified: 26 April, 2006
Page published: 10 December, 2002